FA probes Mark Clattenburg over ‘racial’ abuse claims

The FA has begun an investigation into claims that a leading referee racially abused Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel and a second player, believed to be Juan Mata, having now received the official’s match report.

Mark Clattenburg has been accused of using “inappropriate language” by the European champions, who made an official complaint to the match delegate following yesterday’s acrimonious 3-2 defeat by Manchester United in which the referee also controversially sent off Fernando Torres having already shown Branislav Ivanovic a red card.

“The FA has begun an investigation relating to allegations made following Sunday’s fixture at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Manchester United,” a statement on the FA’s website said.

In response, Professional Game Match Officials, the refereeing body, have decided to withdraw Clattenburg from…